SIG showcases its sustainable innovative packaging solutions in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, March 5, 2024: SIG, a leading packaging solutions provider, showcased its innovative and sustainable packaging and state-of-the-art filling solutions at the 50th Dairy Industry Conference hosted by the Indian Dairy Association (IDA). This Swiss-based company is the only competitor for Tetra Pak in India with a wide range aseptic carton packaging products of different sizes and shapes for long-life liquid foods.

Though it entered the Indian market just five years ago, the company has rapidly expanded its business in the country to achieve 14 per cent market share. It has three manufacturing units in India, all in Maharashtra – at Palghar – for fitments (spout and caps), Khadkoli – for BIB (bag-in-box) and films, and Pune – for filling equipment.

SIG is constructing its first aseptic carton plant in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with an investment of approximately 100 million euros. It will commence production by the end of this year. The capacity of this packaging plant is expected to reach 4 billion packs per annum in phase 1, and 18 billion packs per annum once it is fully operational in four phases, said Abdelghany Eladib, President & GM - IMEA at SIG.

He further said, “As a leading milk producer, India stands as a crucial destination for SIG. This conference serves as an exceptional platform to engage with professionals and experts from the sector, helping us understand the challenges and emerging market needs. SIG is committed to serving the customers and consumers with safe, sustainable, and affordable packaging solutions, and such events help us gain market insights to improve our offerings.”

At this year’s conference, SIG presented its flagship small-size carton packaging solutions SIG XSlimBloc and SIG SmileSmall. The filling machine SIG XSlim 24 can fill 24,000 SIG XSlimBloc carton packs per hour and has the flexibility to fill nine different volume sizes (from 80ml to 200ml) on the same filling line.

The SIG SmileSmall 24 filling machine for SIG SmileSmall does also have the capacity to fill 24,000 carton packs per hour and makes it possible to switch between four volumes (180ml to 250ml), thereby cutting down costs, time, and waste rates. SIG SmileSmall is available with straw or closure options and also allows for the filling of beverages with particulates.

Volume changeover on SIG filling machines is quick and easy, taking less than 15 minutes – for maximum flexibility. Another focus of SIG's trade fair presentation was on carton packaging in family sizes. The main spotlight was on SIG SlimlineBloc and SIG MidiBloc, both available in volume sizes from 500ml to 1,000ml.

SIG’s long line of industry-leading sustainability innovations now includes bag-in-box and spouted pouches. They were also an important part of the portfolio that SIG presented at the Dairy Industry Conference.

Vandana Tandan, Head of Markets for India and Bangladesh at SIG: “The dairy sector holds a significant position in India’s diverse and expansive FMCG industry. In the recent past, the Indian dairy industry has witnessed remarkable growth and is further anticipated to continue an upward trajectory. It presents an exceptional opportunity for SIG to expand its market presence in the country and secure a larger share of the industry. The 50th Dairy Industry Conference presented a perfect platform to display our innovative packaging solution and efficient filling technology and to meet the industry leaders to forge new relationships.”

Dhandutt Shah, Managing Director India for SIG’s bag-in-box and spouted pouch business: “SIG is committed to delivering high-quality and advanced packaging solutions to its customers and consumers. We have witnessed an exponential rise in the demand for bag-in-box and spouted pouches globally. Events like the Dairy Industry Conference serve as a perfect platform to showcase our state-of-the-art technology and packaging solutions.”

This year’s conference was centered on the theme of ‘Indian Dairying: Innovation & Entrepreneurship’. Hosting Indian and international exhibitors from across the globe, the conference aimed to address contemporary issues concerning dairy entrepreneurship backed by innovations in the industry.

The conference came at a time when the Indian dairy sector was witnessing remarkable growth. Today, India is the largest producer of milk in the world, with an annual production capacity of 221.06 million tons recorded in the year 2021-22, contributing 23 per cent of global milk production. According to a report by the International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group (IMARC), the market size is anticipated to reach Rs 30.84 lakh crore by 2027.

SIG displayed its innovative packaging solutions and filling technology for the second time at this conference. Setting its foot in the Indian market in 2018, the Swiss-based packaging solution provider has rapidly expanded its business in the country.